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Mia Hamm
A Footballing Phenomenon ...
For many years, the Most Prolific Goalscorer, Male or Female, in the History of International Soccer
FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD
PLAYER OF THE YEAR,
2001, 2002, 2003
I had the pleasure of conducting a brief interview with the peerless Mia Hamm at the conclusion of the inaugural Pacific Cup women’s soccer tournament in Australia in June 2000. This is what she had to say on that occasion ...
 Of all your achievements in the game, which gives you the greatest satisfaction, and why?Being in this team has been an absolute pleasure. The opportunity I’ve been given to represent my country, play in the World Cup and in the Olympics is something I’m very proud of. Last summer, with the World Cup and the crowds, and the ‘96 Olympics - both were dreams come true, not just how we played and the fact that we won, but the atmosphere we were given the opportunity to compete in - it was just phenomenal.
 Who is the person who has had the most influence on your career, and in what way?Off the field, my family has been so supportive of me. No matter where I go, even if they can’t make trips, I know they’re with me, checking up on me, and win or lose, successes or otherwise, they love me for who I am, and that’s something that I treasure.
Game-wise, my college coaches have been helpful, but more so my team-mates. Every single day in practice, they’re the ones I’m training against, and they’re the ones who set the standards, who help me become a better player, help all of us become better players. I’d have to say my team-mates have had the biggest influence overall.
 You’ve achieved just about everything there is to achieve in the game, and you’re in a position where retirement is an easy option. What drives you to remain so involved in the game today?You still get different challenges, like today. I started slowly, but think I did some good things. You’re out in an atmosphere like this where the fans are buzzing, it’s a hard-fought game - that‘s motivation enough to go out there. It’s still enjoyable and it’s been an honour to be a part of the game as a whole.
 Your career has been blessed with much success, and long may that continue to be the case. There has been the odd disappointment along the way also. Do you regret any of these? Why? Why not?No regrets. If everything was easy, it wouldn’t make what I do so enjoyable. One thing the team understands is that we have to work for every single thing that we get, and it’s something we pride ourselves in. We don’t expect to walk on the pitch and have our opponents hand us the game. At the World Cup, the Olympics ... every game I’ve played in, this team has taken tremendous pride in going out there and giving their heart to the game, and representing their country in the game to the best of their ability.
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